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The 500, also known as "Cinquencento" back in Italy, first came about back in 1957. Marketed as a cheap and practical town car, it redefined the term "small car" and at the same time shows how town cars should be made.
To have a body shaped like that in 1957 just goes to show how much of an icon it's meant to be - something to join in the ranks of the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle. And again, like the two iconic cars, the Fiat 500 gets resurrected in a new, more modern look.
To have a body shaped like that in 1957 just goes to show how much of an icon it's meant to be - something to join in the ranks of the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle. And again, like the two iconic cars, the Fiat 500 gets resurrected in a new, more modern look.
Aesthetics
The 500 just gets you looking in its direction. It's the latest in brilliant automotive design and aesthetics, so it deserves some sort of attention for being that good-looking, in that size. My personal take is the side profile - smooth lines, without a single angular bit, ensuring that it can stand the test of time. Oh, and the multi-spoke alloy wheels just adds it all up.
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Upfront, the 500 has a neat and simple façade, with those necessary chrome bits to add a touch of class - at least they did not overdo that part. Circular-shaped head and fog lamps seem to be the proverbial item for comeback cars, and just like the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle, the 500 retains that part from its original plot of yesterday still. It's a funky sight from the rear, and although the tail lights somehow resemble the ones we've seen on the MINI Cooper, this one's bigger and obviously more practical.
The inside story
"Impeccable" is the first word that springs to mind when describing the 500's interior. It's no gloomy place to be in, and in fact, the interior is an airy place, all thanks to the large glass area - making me feel as though I'm in a glass house. The three-spoke steering wheel, coupled with supportive seats makes the driver feel right at home in the cabin - sure, you seat tall with a surprisingly commanding view, but you don't perch oddly. All controls are well laid out and everything falls nicely within the driver's reach too.
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The designers were obviously at their best, and the simple yet effective layout of the meter cluster shows it - an integrated speedo and tachometer, although resembling the Lexus IS 200's, is nicely sized and we reckon even Mr. Magoo should be able to see clearly. There's also an info centre to provide real-time information of sorts to the driver.
Fit and finishing are noticeably solid and the plastics used are undeniably of high quality. Luxury items include automatic air-con, factory-fitted audio head-unit, large glass roof and cubby holes all over to store all your knick-knacks. And the doors - they close with an assuring thud.
Fit and finishing are noticeably solid and the plastics used are undeniably of high quality. Luxury items include automatic air-con, factory-fitted audio head-unit, large glass roof and cubby holes all over to store all your knick-knacks. And the doors - they close with an assuring thud.
Driving it
Under the 500's hood lies the 1,242cc engine which produces 69bhp and 102Nm worth of torque. Fiat did a wonderful job at configuring this power plant - it's a real hoot to drive, pulling with much determination from low revs and just loves to be stretched! It will not turn aural to complain when coaxed towards the redline, but instead will hum a wonderful note that makes you want to just stretch it even further...only to realise you're already at the redline.
Gear changing is an effortless task - you don't need to lift the clutch too high just to reach the biting point, and the gearshift has a rather slick feel to it. You might have the impression that the positioning of the gear lever needs some getting used to, but trust me, it's easy to get acquainted.
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Synonymous with Fiat by now, there is also a "City" mode in case you feel that the steering is too weighty when driving through the traffic jam. Switch it on, and you'll require less effort to steer the 500.
The 500 has a slightly firm ride quality, and that is useful particularly when tackling corners or doing quick turn-ins. It boasts an unruffled ride, with bang-on body control and a low-speed ride that saves your backside from unnecessary poundings. Guide the car through a series of bends and its sweet steering feels in sync with the controlled body-roll.
The 500 has a slightly firm ride quality, and that is useful particularly when tackling corners or doing quick turn-ins. It boasts an unruffled ride, with bang-on body control and a low-speed ride that saves your backside from unnecessary poundings. Guide the car through a series of bends and its sweet steering feels in sync with the controlled body-roll.
In a nutshell
The Fiat 500 is available in either a 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre engine, both with auto and manual transmission. Paying this much money for a car this size won't make much sense to the average car buyer, but to those with the want for a stylishly desirable car, then we recommend you take a close look at the 500.
There's just an engaging honesty to the 500. Unlike say, an MPV saddled with having to pretend it's a hot-hatch on weekends, or an SUV that has to double-up as a limousine, the 500 is left to get on with being what it was built to be ? cute and fun. And it does it very well.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine: 1,200cc, 4-cylinders in-line
Power: 69bhp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 102Nm @ 3,000rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Length / Width / Height: 3,546 / 1,627 / 1,488 mm
Wheelbase: 2,300 mm
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